Publication:

Prevalence of anemia among type 2 diabetic patients and its correlation with dietary habits in diabetic center in Taif City-Saudi Arabia

Background People who have diabetes express nutrient deficiencies that can cause anemia. Nutrient deficiencies can be caused by either not eating enough nutrients or by the body’s inability to absorb the nutrients that are eaten. This study aims to assess the prevalence and predictors of anemia among type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods An interview validated questionnaire was used for data collection. It included socio-demographic data; inquiry about exercise, smoking status, past medical history of chronic problems, anemia, anemia symptoms, family history of anemia and consanguinity. In addition, assessment of the dietary habits using 12 questions, anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration were done.

Results A total of 288 patients were included. Males accounted 55.6% of them and 47.5% aged over 60 years. The prevalence of anemia was 21.9%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that T2DM patients with income of ≥10,000 Saudi Riyals/month were at lower significant risk compared to those with no formal income to have anemia (aOR=0.028; 95% CI: 0.10-0.80), p=0.017. Patients with previous history of anemia were at almost 4-folds risk than those without such history, to have anemia (aOR=4.49; 95% CI: 2.17-9.26), p<0.001. Patients with symptoms suggestive of anemia were at almost 5-folds risk than those without such symptoms, to have anemia (aOR=4.80; 95% CI: 2.44-9.46), p<0.001.

Conclusions Anemia is moderately prevailing among T2DM patients in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Determinants of anameia were low income, previous history of anemia and having symptoms suggestive of anemia.